Hey, do you want to come along, my brother?
Hey, do you want to go on down to Ghana?
And as we’ll travel we’ll sing this happy song.
Tu-e tu-e (clap, clap)
Tu-e tu-e ba-ri-ma tu-e (clap, clap)
The other day, we went with Britton to the
Ogden Temple to take pictures.
I can't believe that in a little over a
month, this kid will be in Ghana.
At least 3 times a day Britton comments on
how EXCITED he is to go to
Ghana and serve a mission.
One of my favorite quotes about missionary work comes from President Nelson
"Be we reminded that the gathering of Israel is not the ultimate endpoint. It is but the beginning. The true endpoint is eternal life. It is that God’s children, in a covenant relationship with Him either by lineage or by adoption, will be able to dwell with Him and their families forever. That is God’s glory-eternal life for His children!"
Man, I can't believe how much I am going to miss him.
After Alyssa left, I struggled immensely. I started questioning everything about missions. It was too painful to have her gone. I began complaining rather forcefully to JD that this mission thing could not be a good thing to do.
Then one day Alyssa's mission President called and said that she wanted to return home early. She was homesick and struggling. He allowed her to call and when she did all I could do is testify to her of "WHY" her mission was going to be a pivotal moment/blessing throughout her life.
I could not believe what I was saying! Previously, I had wanted her home everyday.
Why was I know telling her to stay?
As she and our other children have served missions, I have come to understand the WHY.
Yes, it is for the gathering of Israel in these latter days.
However, what I have found to be true with each child who has served is that their conversions, and the blessings that come into their lives through the people that they serve, are the blessings they bring home. It is a gift they carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Britton, I know that as you are obedient and
faithful, the choice to serve a mission
will be a decision that will bless you throughout your life.
Remember the wise words of President Hinckley on those hard days
"Forget yourself, and go to work."
"There is NO substitute for hard work. "
-Thomas Edison
For Youth Conference a few weeks ago,
our ward was able to visit the Provo MTC.
Each one of the youth spoke of the spirit that they felt there.
I am excited that Britton is only going to do one
week of home MTC and then he
will be able to attend the Provo MTC and experience
the spirit of being there on a daily basis.
One of the things Britton loved about visiting the
MTC was how strong the spirit was. He realized that his time to
be here in this amazing place was coming soon.
Man, this day came quick. Crazy how fast time flies!
I would LOVE to believe that our home would be as
spiritual as the MTC, but we are a continual work in progress.
JD and I re-evaluate and make a plan almost daily with one goal in mind...
"tonight, scriptures and prayers are going to be peaceful and spirit-filled."
I mean, we have been doing this for 26 years now, some of our children have left the home,
and we should have a few things figured out by now, RIGHT?
Somehow, a more accurate assessment for our study around here most evenings are,
noisy and chaos-filled.
Perhaps we need to set a new goal:).
I love you, Britton!
As you serve the people in Ghana, remember the two quotes I remember my dad telling me often,
"People never care how much you know, until they know how much you care."
"Awareness is the greatest form of religion."
Sounds a little like the first and great commandment:).
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
and with all thy soul,
and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it,
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy
self."
Hey, hey! We want to go to Ghana.
Hey, hey! We want to come along.
Tu-e tu-e ba-ri-ma tu-e (clap, clap)
Tu-e tu-e ba-ri-ma tu-e (clap, clap)
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